KKE Architects Opens New West Coast Hospitality Division; A.C. Atherton Joins KKE as Principal

PASADENA, CA – Award-winning KKE Architects, Inc., headquartered in Minneapolis, with offices in Las Vegas; Pasadena and Irvine, Calif., announced today that A.C. Atherton has joined KKE as a principal and head of its West Coast Hospitality group. She has over 20 years of experience in resorts and spas, hotels, themed entertainment, sports clubs, retail, mixed-use and large-scale commercial projects, with a strong background in all phases of architecture from planning and programming to design and project management.

Formerly a principal at DMJMH+N in Orange, Calif. heading up the company’s West Coast Hospitality division, Atherton has completed a number of significant projects from St. Regis Resorts, Kimpton Boutique Hotels, Marriott Coastal Resort properties to major urban convention hotels. Some of her projects include Warner Brothers Park in Madrid, Spain and various projects in California: Marriott Hotels and Spas in San Diego, San Francisco and Newport Beach; The St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort and Spa in Monarch Beach; ClubHouse Restaurant at South Coast Plaza; StoneHill Tavern restaurant in Dana Point; and Santa Anita Turf Club in Arcadia. Atherton’s career with DMJMH+N spanned 12 years.

“We are very excited that A.C. Atherton has joined KKE. Her successful track record of consistently transforming obstacles into opportunities and possibilities is a perfect match for KKE and furthers our goal to diversify our practice on the West Coast,” says KKE Managing Principal Brian Arial, AIA.

Atherton says that she joined KKE because of its sustained success over the past 38 years. “KKE continues to maintain the stride for balance of innovative design and exceptional architectural services,” Atherton adds. “Their method of successful project delivery is achieved by their unwavering commitment to servicing clients and treating their employees with integrity and professionalism. It is the form and function of success that I am most excited about.”

In addition, her prior experience also includes projects for Sports Club, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Columbia Pictures and Palmilla Resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Previous to Langdon Wilson Mumper, Atherton was with Gruen Associates in Beverly Hills and worked on the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Los Angeles, Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel, Marriott Century City and Disney Headquarters in Burbank.

Atherton received her Bachelor of Architecture degree from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona and is a member of American Institute of Architects, Urban Land Institute and International Hotel & Motel Association. She has received many awards for her projects as well as she has been a speaker and panelist at a variety of industry forums including JMBM Conference and has been quoted in numerous industry trade publications and locals magazines. She is a resident of Laguna Beach and will be based in KKE’s Irvine office.

After 38 years in the business, award-winning KKE Architects, Inc. has grown to become one of the top architectural firms in the country. With offices in Minneapolis; Las Vegas; Pasadena and Irvine, Calif., KKE’s professional staff of 230 offers a unique blend of expertise across a broad range of market segments encompassing Retail/Lifestyle, Live Entertainment, Housing, Government, Hotel/Resort, Aging, Education, Industrial and Office/Private Development.

KKE continues to grow through a keen focus upon maximizing their clients’ success; by expanding upon the vision of each client to accomplish more than they ever thought possible. For more information, visit www.kke.com.

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